UFCThe Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is a U.S.-based mixed martial arts organization, recognized as the largest MMA promotion in the world. The UFC is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada and is owned and operated by Zuffa, LLC. This promotion is responsible for solidifying the sport's postion in the history-books.
UFC is currently undergoing a remarkable surge in popularity, along with greater mainstream media coverage. UFC programming can now be seen on FOX, FX, and FUEL TV in the United States, as well as in 35 other countries worldwide.

Lyoto Machida is something an enigma in MMA who was introduced to the sport by Japanese pro wrestling legend and promoter Antonio Inoki. As the son of a Japanese-Brazilian Shotokan karate master, Machida took up karate at age four and has always maintained a deeply-rooted connection with traditional martial arts.

After winning his 2003 debut over Pancrase gatekeeper Kengo Watanabe, Machida bounced from facing K – 1 alums Sam Greco and Michael Macdonald to real contenders like B.J. Penn and Rich Franklin (his first loss). Machida defeated them all. The man nicknamed “The Dragon” soon found himself with a revitalized World Fighting Alliance that lasted all of one show. Then as part of the Zuffa buyout (which included Quinton “Rampage” Jackson), he soared through the light heavyweight ranks.
As a counter fighter, Machida won three straight by decision only to face another new, hot prospect in Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou. Many people didn’t give Machida’s reactionary style a chance against the judo expert; everyone was shocked by his buzz-saw through Sokoudjou’s defenses to eventually submission victory. Now with a marquee win over Tito Ortiz, the undefeated Japanese-Brazilian is poised for bigger paydays and tougher competition. Between reading books (his favorite pastime), he was kind enough to answer a few questions.

MMA Worldwide: How did you meet Antonio Inoki?

Lyoto Machida: Inoki came to Brazil looking for fighters for his new league. My father was good friends with his family so we met. He liked me and invited me to a test. After that, I ended up fighting for him. It was good to be part of his team and it opened up many opportunities for me.

MW : Your fighting style is very unique to MMA. What do you call it and why is so effective?

LM: We call it Machida Martial Arts Karate because we employ the real martial art of karate, which is the complete karate with takedowns, etc. It’s what karate was before there were competions.

MW: While your fighting style is effective in winning fighters you have no finished many opponents recently. Does this put you at a disadvantage?

LM: I think so, but I try to find my mistakes after each fight so I can do better next time.

MW: You won your last fight with Tito Ortiz via unanimous decision, but you were almost submitted at the end of the fight. How close to tapping were you?

LM: I wasn’t going to tap in that situation. Tito had a good hold, but not enough for me to tap.

MW: Where do you rank yourself in the UFC 205-pound devision?

LM: I know I`m in the top 10.

MW: You have won five in a row in the UFC including wins over some top opponents; do you feel you should be the next up for a title fight?

LM: I think I deserve a shot but that is the UFC’s decision to make.

MW: Tell us about your next opponent, Thiago Silva, and what challenges he presents.

LM: He is a tough and complete fighter, but I believe in my Machida Martial Arts Karate, even though I know his back ground
in jiu-jitsu.

MW: Where did you grow up and what was it like as a kid?

LM: I grew up in Belem, Brazil. It was a small city at the time, so I was able to have a great time playing with my friends on the street, something you don’t see there anymore. I was able to have a great childhood.

MW: What is your family life like?

LW: We live a simple but comfortable life. I am very happy to live around my family.

MW: Anything else you would like to say to your fans?

LM: I thank my fans for their support. I apologize if I can’t always please them in all my fights, but I will try because I know how much they care.

Damn Machida is more boring than his fights... Seriouly he is a great fighter, but I dunno if he'll ever be champ simply because the UFC wont give him a shot due to his elusive style and lack of charisma that most champions possess.

I like Machida. There were rumors that he would appear as a guest trainer on TUF, but then somebody claimed that he doesn't get along with Minotauro very well, so maybe it's a false rumor. It would be fun to see him sparring a little with the boys.